I have been to many places in Seoul that take you back centuries. Last week I went to the Korean Stone art Museum, a temple, and many art museums. The stone art museum was truly beautiful and it was tucked away at the bottom of a mountain in Seongbuk-gu. This meant it had a wonderful view of the city and both the Namsan and Lotte towers! When I arrived at the museum it was deserted and I didn't see anyone around, I got a ticket and went through the three indoor floors that tell us all of the symbols that mean peace and tranquility and guardians of places. I learned a lot and the museum was very tourist friendly. The outside portion of the museum was the best, there was a Jeju section of stone art and many Buddha statues, I felt like I was in a different world in the past away from busy Seoul. It helped that I was very far from the city center and the museum only had two other viewers. I think going alone still makes me look at things in a new light.
I went to almost 10 art galleries small and big and viewed the art. It was so interesting to see the unique styles, I saw art made of entirely cloth, I saw pieces that were distinctly Korean, and I saw very emotional pieces inspired through the deep mind dive that covid 19 caused. I never noticed that I enjoyed art, it seemed to just come to me. My friends are not very into the arts but still entertain the thought. I like looking through others' eyes and art is one of the ways that I have started to appreciate it. Especially when going to view is free!! After going to the galleries and stone art museum I ended up at a rather large temple near the area. It had three golden Buddha statues, many beautifully painted gates, and a sadly not-in-season garden and pond. I continued my self-reflection during the day where I was in silence most of the day. Instead of taking the bus back home, I walked the curvy residential roads back to the main area. I see so much of life this way. Something just changes in my heart when I look around. For once I stop being involved in my head or phone but take in the surroundings. I haven't been too kind to myself during the rough patches here. I have hardly allowed myself to do things I want because of budget issues, or not having a friend who wants to do that specific thing, or just time. I literally have all of the freedom in the world but sometimes it is I who is holding myself back.
I know this winter will be hard. I already feel a bit sad some days about my time here and certain things and people that I miss. I am trying to fill the holes with new things and activities and hobbies because that I all I know how to do (now If I can just devote more time to learning Korean). I was told before I left that going abroad has a big curve, when you start it is all shiny and exciting but slowly you hit a point where it is very down and then slowly improve as I reflect and get used to my time here. I think I may be approaching this downhill moment now during the winter and the end of the semester. The stress and cold air does something to my motivation and mental health. BUT this post is not sad, because I have been making myself go out and do things that I want. It may not be every day that I get to do things now, but at least 3-4 days a week I am allowing myself the freedom and excitement to help balance out the stress.
